Emergency Generator Compliance

OHC has completed a review of the School Board’s Twin Lake Academy emergency generator above ground diesel tank in terms of environmental compliance issues raised by the local tanks program.  OHC has reviewed the aboveground diesel tank installation drawings to evaluate the adequacy of the interstitial space monitoring system and the general alarm layout.  A comprehensive release detection response level description was completed for the tank as per the requirement of the local tanks program inspector.  The description specifically addressed the issue of monthly testing of the interstitial space float type dry contact switch to ensure compliance.  Additionally, safety and fire code placard deficiencies were corrected to ensure compliance with the FDEP Chapter 62-761 FAC requirements.  This activity demonstrates our interface with regulators and our ability to interpret local, state and Federal regulations and evaluate compliance with those regulations. OHC is also in the process of completing a comprehensive review of the School Board’s tank registration and necessary upgrade compliance status.

Highland Elementary School

Recently, the school board tasked OHC to complete a Limited Contamination Assessment Report (LCAR) for the Highland Elementary School.  OHC removed an underground heating oil tank and soil contamination was discovered. OHC recommended a specific course of action to include monitoring for natural attenuation and a monitoring only plan.  The plan was submitted to DEP for approval.  Upon approval, OHC installed five (5) wells to monitor the groundwater quarterly.  This was consistent with the state guidelines under the Petroleum Cleanup Participation Program (PCPP).  This project shows our dedication to providing very cost effective solutions to our clients environmental challenges.

Stephens Property Phase I Site Assessment

In March 2002, OHC completed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of the Stephens Property on North Main Street for the Duval County Public Schools (DCPS).  OHC completed another Phase I ESA in August 2002 for DCPS on the Hall Isaiah Estate.

Woodland Acres Elementary School

In September 2002, OHC removed an underground storage tank at the Woodland Acres Elementary School.  OHC managed the removal, collected soil and groundwater samples to show the tank caused no contamination.  In addition, OHC completed the Tank Closure Assessment Report (TCAR) as required. 

Oceanway Elementary School

In October 2002, OHC removed a 5,000-gallon UST at Oceanway Elementary and discovered soil contamination surrounding the tank.  A combination of soil extraction of heavy contaminated soil and insitu enhanced bioremediation methods were used to remediate the site. OHC worked with a bioremediation contractor who has developed a proprietary mixture of nutrients, oxygen-scavenging chemical enzymes and aerobic bacteria for direct injection into the shallow soil. Within a six-month period of active treatment, this method successfully achieved a reduction in soil petroleum to below target level and greater than an 80% reduction in petroleum level. OHC submitted a sampling plan to DEP to show attenuation levels over a six-month period.

The work we have accomplished in Duval County demonstrates our ability to perform in and out of the field. OHC’s capabilities range from collecting field data, sampling soil and groundwater, processing the samples for laboratory analyses, completing surveys of general areas and areas subject to hazardous material contamination to researching environmental compliance issues and writing reports.

Lead Based Paint Inspection

OHC was responsible for the inspection of lead-based paint in every school within the District prior to repainting or renovation.  OHC developed a maintenance and operation plan for the in-house maintenance and painting staff.  OHC performed all required OSHA monitoring to establish a negative exposure assessment as required and provide lead awareness training in compliance with the OSHA standard.

Response to Chemical Spills: OHC is listed with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as the City’s designated contractor responsible for emergency response to hazardous material spills and oversight of the clean up and disposal activities. OHC has responded to several mercury spills at the generating stations.  OHC mobilized a remediation contractor on site within 24 hours of the spill, assessed the extent of the spill; isolated the contamination and safe zones and performed complete oversight of the remediation and disposal activities. OHC was also responsible for the notification to the local regulatory agencies and all coordination with these agencies and plant personnel. OHC conducted all the required monitoring during the remediation activities and the required clearance testing as required by DEP and submitted a closure report to DEP.

Lead & Asbestos Abatement: OHC was responsible for the design and execution of one of the largest and most complicated lead abatement projects performed in the United States (picture above). OHC was also responsible for identification of lead-based paint on Unit No. 1 at McIntosh generation station using the XRF detector. OHC assisted in the design of a master specification for lead abatement of the  unit.  The project required removal of all lead paint from the entire boiler casing and associated structural support.  A semi-hard wall enclosure was designed to encase the entire structure that could withstand up to 130 mile-per-hour winds, simulating hurricane conditions.  Negative pressure was established inside the enclosure and was air conditioned to prevent metal oxidation once the paint and primer was removed.